Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce
Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce features tender, flaky cod fillets pan-seared to a perfect golden crust, finished with a vibrant herb butter sauce bursting with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. This easy yet elegant dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, combining simplicity with restaurant-quality flavors in under 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Large nonstick or stainless steel skillet
- Fish spatula or flat turner
- Small saucepan
- Citrus zester or microplane
- Paper towels
- Tongs
Ingredients
For the Cod:
- 4 cod fillets (5–6 oz each), fresh or thawed
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Herb Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Optional: 2 tablespoons white wine, 1 teaspoon capers, pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Pat cod fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place fillets presentation side down; cook 3–4 minutes undisturbed until golden.
- Flip and cook 2–3 minutes more until opaque and flaky.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in herbs, lemon zest, and juice; simmer 1–2 minutes. Add optional white wine or capers and reduce if desired.
- Plate cod and spoon herb butter sauce over the top. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Ensure fish is thoroughly dried for best sear.
- Avoid overcrowding pan to prevent steaming.
- Thaw frozen cod overnight in fridge and pat dry before cooking.
- Let herb butter sauce rest a minute off heat for flavor melding.
- Substitute cod with haddock, halibut, or sea bass if desired.
- For dairy-free, replace butter with olive oil infused with herbs and lemon.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers; reheat gently to maintain moisture.